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Earlier this year, Matt Riddle was one of the many professional wrestlers named during the Speaking Out movement. During that time, The King of Bros finished up a short rivalry with Timothy Thatcher and moved to SmackDown on FOX.
Riddle wasn't the only WWE Superstar to face allegations this summer with the company severing ties with several talents. Some that weren't let go were put on suspension or taken off of TV for some time. However, Riddle remained front and center, debuting on SmackDown to take on then Intercontinental Champion, AJ Styles.
While WWE stood by Riddle, who denied the claims, it seems that this case is not over.
Candy Cartwright sues WWE, Matt Riddle, Gabe Sapolsky, Evolve for $10 million apiece
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful revealed that Samantha Tavel, better known as Candy Cartwright, is suing Matt Riddle, WWE, Evolve, and former Evolve owner Gabe Sapolsky.
Tavel was the one who accused Riddle earlier this summer and is now looking for $10 million per defendant. Tavel claimed that Riddle began sexually assaulting her in April 2017 in a parking lot after an Evolve event. She further stated that Riddle bragged about what happened to Sapolsky and due to lack of action from WWE, the company indirectly approved of Riddle's alleged crimes against her.
The lawsuit further alleges that around May 19, 2018, Matt Riddle forced her to perform oral sex by choking her. She claims that she initially refused but Riddle grabbed her by the throat saying "what if I made you?" She also claimed that this was done in front of other members of Evolve on a bus leaving Summit, Illinois, the site of EVOLVE 104.
The lawsuit claimed that Tavel had bookings with WWE and Evolve on or near January 31, 2020, and before that, she was forced to perform sexual acts on Matt Riddle or else lose her bookings. She claimed that once she refused to continue doing so, Riddle informed both WWE and Evolve that he didn't want her to work with either company citing "talent issues."
Tavel's case revolves around professional wrestling being a male-dominated industry and delves into the history of performers who were sexualized. There are a few errors in the document, however, which states that Riddle was employed by WWE by May 19, 2018. He hadn't signed with the company until well after that point.
Matt Riddle has denied these accusations several times over the summer. Tavel held a press conference earlier today. She stated that though these allegations have severely affected her career, some things are more important.
Update: WWE issues statement on potential lawsuit
In a statement issued to Sportskeeda, WWE addressed whether or not they have yet been named in the lawsuit:
“WWE has not been served with a lawsuit by Ms. Tavel. However, if served, we will vigorously defend ourselves and contest it.”
Sportskeeda will update with any additional developments as they happen.
